June 30th~I Have a Plan

2 Kings 16:19, 20


2 Chronicles 28:26, 27

Isaiah 13:1-16:14

We read Isaiah’s prophecies regarding Babylon, Assyria, Philistia, and Moab. While these may seem pointless to us, they are not. When read- ing prophecies, we must understand that there is usually a double meaning and there are in- cluded some amazing descriptions of God. Such was the case with those we read today.

For example, though God was describing the fall of Babylon’s king (14:12-15), scholars believe this passage to be a description of Lucifer’s re- bellion in heaven. “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth... For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars... I will climb to the highest heaven and be like the Most High.’ But, instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths.”

What I find amazing in prophecies is that, while these events have not happened yet, God de- scribes them as if they have already happened. For example, though Israel has fallen, the nation of Judah has not. The Lord will save their de- struction for the people of Babylon. Still, God prophesies of the fall of Babylon to the armies of the Medes (13:17). “Babylon, the most glorious of kingdoms, the flower of Chaldean culture, will be devastated like Sodom and Gomorrah... and will never rise again” (13:19, 20).

What is even more amazing is that not only is God able to foresee future events but He is in control of them. He makes them happen the way He wants them to happen. For example, in the prophecy of the fall of Babylon by the hands of the Medes, He said, “See the flags waving as the enemy attacks. Cheer them on, O Israel! I, the Lord have assigned this task to these armies... I have called them to satisfy My anger. The Lord Almighty has brought them here...They are the Lord’s weapons; they carry His anger with them...” (13:1-5).

Why is that so amazing? God sees the future as well as He does the past; and, He is in control of all events, fulfilling His purposes. These truths speak of His incredible sovereignty and providence, His orchestration of events to His will. “I have a plan for the whole earth,” He says, “for My mighty power reaches throughout the world. The Lord Almighty has spoken. Who can change His plans? When His hand moves, who can stop Him?” (14:26, 27).

Daily Reflection

What do truths like these make you think? How do they encourage you and give you hope?

If God has such knowledge of the past and future, and if He is in control of all the nations of the earth, is He not also in control of your life? Does that not give you confidence, hope, joy, and peace?

American Founder Benjamin Franklin once said, “The longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth — that God governs in the affairs of men; and, if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?”

God sees everything; nothing escapes His notice. God knows everything; nothing escapes His knowledge. God controls everything; nothing happens without His permission. History is His Story and everyone plays a part. Praise God for His power! Praise Him for His plan.

BiAY.org | Day 181 — 184 Days to Go